Apprenticed to Merlin, learning magic consumes
Evelyne's time and thoughts. She trusts her mentor to
handle any threats to Avalon-whether they be a sudden
plague or a witch that he vanquished years ago.
Evelyne is more concerned with what will happen if she
fails a lesson. "They seem to be nothing more than
stones, Master." She rolls the flat stones between her
palms, not sure why Merlin has given them to her,
but knowing they must be important.
"How do they feel, Apprentice?" he asks.
She knows he is not asking about anything as a simple
as texture or temperature. Evelyne opens herself up
and tries to feel the magic in the rock, but the
rocks are just rock with no magic beyond that of
the low, hum of magic that permeates all of Avalon.
He smiles, and she tries to return the grin, wondering
what amuses him and if it is her lack of knowledge.
"Runes are simply stone," he explains "It is what
we do with them that make them special."
"You mean, magical?" she asks, clarifying his meaning.
"Yes," he replies "These stones allow you to control
the Runes of Avalon."
Evelyne opens her hand, and pokes at the stones with
a fingertip. "The Runes of Avalon?"
"Powerful runes," he confirmed. "Hidden runes that
when aligned properly, draw upon the magic of Avalon
itself and allow you to cast powerful spells." She
nods, impressed. "What kind of spells will I be able
to cast" she asks, pressing for more information.
Before he can respond, the room gives a sudden shake,
and she snaps her hand shut before the stones fall
to the floor.
"Apprentice!"
She looks up. Fear halts the breath in her throat.
Something is wrong. The air around Merlin shimmers
with magic, but itís not Avalon magic - even a lowly
Apprentice can sense as much. This magic is cloying,
black and stinks of evil.
Pocketing the stones, she moves toward Merlin, not
sure what to do but ready to help. "No," he shouts.
Stopping mid-step she realizes he is fading.
Something, or someone, is drawing him through space.
"Morganna," he whispers.
Evelyne stiffens in anger and fear. He has told her
of the dark witch. How he defeated her. Or so he
thought. "Find The Lady of the Lake." Merlin's
words are as pale as his form and barely audible.
"There is not much time. Take the runes. She will
show you..."
Merlin fades from sight before he can complete the
sentence, leaving Evelyne alone and the runes resting
heavy in her pocket.
